In a decisive move to future-proof India’s digital infrastructure and accelerate next-generation mobile networks, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has announced the National Frequency Allocation Plan (NFAP) 2025 with a progressive approach to the 6 GHz spectrum band. The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has welcomed this initiative, describing it as a landmark step to enable India’s 5G, 5G Advanced, and future 6G ambitions.
Speaking on behalf of COAI, Lt. Gen. Dr. S.P. Kochhar, Director General, highlighted the transformative potential of the plan in ensuring robust, high-capacity, and affordable mobile broadband services across the country.
As mobile data consumption continues to grow exponentially and digital services become more critical, the availability of contiguous mid-band spectrum has emerged as a key driver of network performance, reliability, and affordability. COAI emphasized that timely allocation of spectrum in the 6 GHz band is crucial to meeting India’s digital communication needs while keeping pace with global standards.
India Advances Its 5G and 6G Vision Through 6 GHz Spectrum
In a detailed statement, Lt. Gen. Dr. S.P. Kochhar elaborated, “COAI welcomes the forward-looking and progressive approach adopted by the Department of Telecommunications towards the release of the National Frequency Allocation Plan (NFAP) 2025 and appreciates the Government’s continued efforts to align India’s spectrum roadmap with evolving global developments and the rapidly growing needs of the digital communications ecosystem.
The identification of the 6425–7125 MHz band for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) under NFAP 2025 is an important decision that significantly enhances the availability of mid-band spectrum and will play a crucial role in supporting the expansion of 5G, 5G Advanced and future 6G networks in India.
The move reflects DoT’s recognition of the importance of mid-band spectrum in delivering high-capacity, high-speed and reliable mobile broadband services. This gives a clear signal to global OEMs and other countries which will help build an ecosystem of network equipment in this band, thereby making the services more affordable.”
The Case for Full 6 GHz Allocation
Dr. Kochhar reiterated COAI’s long-standing position, stating, “At the same time, COAI reiterates its long-standing position that the 500 MHz in the band from 5925–6425 MHz should also be identified for IMT. Given India’s unique market characteristics — high population density, rapid growth in mobile data consumption and relatively low fixed broadband penetration — mobile networks carry the majority of the country’s internet traffic, making adequate mid-band spectrum availability absolutely critical.”
Why Full 1200 MHz in the 6 GHz Band is Critical for India
He further explained, “To meet exponential data growth and deliver affordable, high-quality 5G and future 6G services, each TSPs requires at least 400 MHz of contiguous mid-band spectrum. Fragmented or insufficient spectrum will significantly limit network performance and increase deployment costs. Moreover, India continues to witness unprecedented growth in mobile data usage. Existing mid-band spectrum holdings are insufficient to meet future capacity requirements.
Next-generation technologies will further rely on large, contiguous spectrum blocks to support ultra-high throughput, low latency, immersive applications, AI-driven services, smart manufacturing, and intelligent mobility.
Therefore, identification of the full 6 GHz band for IMT will align India with global spectrum trends, enable economies of scale, reduce device and network costs and accelerate ecosystem readiness. Robust and affordable mobile broadband is foundational to India’s Digital India vision and is essential for inclusive socio-economic development, innovation and productivity.”
Mid-Band Spectrum: Balancing Coverage and Capacity
The association emphasized that mid-band spectrum offers the optimal balance between coverage and capacity. Dr. Kochhar noted, “Mid-band spectrum offers the optimal balance between coverage and capacity, making it indispensable for rapid and cost-effective nationwide rollout of advanced mobile broadband networks.
Ensuring timely access to adequate, harmonised and future-ready spectrum will be critical to sustaining India’s leadership in telecommunications, especially in rollouts of future technologies, overall digital economy and AI infrastructure in particular.”
A Forward-Looking Step for India’s Digital Ecosystem
Concluding, Dr. Kochhar said, “The industry remains committed to continued constructive engagement with DoT and all stakeholders to arrive at a balanced, evidence-based and future-oriented spectrum policy that maximises consumer benefits and supports India’s long-term digital ambitions.”
Conclusion
India’s NFAP 2025 and the strategic allocation of the 6 GHz band represent a forward-looking approach to digital connectivity. By ensuring the availability of sufficient mid-band spectrum, the country is not only enhancing network performance and affordability but also establishing a foundation for global competitiveness in next-generation mobile technologies.
With combined efforts from the Government and the telecom industry, India is positioning itself as a leader in building a resilient, high-capacity, and future-ready digital ecosystem.
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